Sensemaker - podcast cover

Sensemaker

The Observerobserver.co.uk

The Sensemaker from The Observer - one story every day to make sense of the world.


To find out more about The Observer:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Episodes

Ep 543: A year in Ukraine

A year since Russia began its full scale invasion of Ukraine, what are the five key moments which have defined the war so far? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted o...

Feb 23, 20239 minSeason 1Ep. 543

Ep 542: The search for Nicola Bulley

When Nicola Bulley disappeared the police struggled to control the narrative around the investigation and people descended on the small Lancashire village where she went missing. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. ...

Feb 22, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 542

Ep 541: North Korea's unlikely leader

There has been speculation about whether Kim Jong-un’s young daughter is being lined up to succeed him. But it is more likely that Kim Ju Ae’s public appearances are designed to be a distraction from North Korea’s problems. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...

Feb 21, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 541

Ep 540: The energy companies force-fitting prepayment meters

Energy suppliers have agreed to stop forcibly installing prepayment meters in the homes of vulnerable people. Why was it happening in the first place? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...

Feb 20, 20235 minSeason 1Ep. 540

Ep 539: Nicola Sturgeon resigns

Scotland’s first minister has announced she will step aside after eight years in power. What does Nicola Sturgeon’s shock resignation mean for Scottish independence? Listen to The News Meeting: https://linktr.ee/TheNewsMeeting Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...

Feb 17, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 539

Ep 538: Syria's struggle for aid

The United Nations Humanitarian chief Martin Griffths has acknowledged an international failure to send aid to Syria. Why was it so difficult to get aid in? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...

Feb 16, 20236 minSeason 1Ep. 538

Ep 537: UFOs shot down by the US

After shooting down a Chinese spy balloon the US military has downed another three unidentified flying objects. What is going on and are any of them from space? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...

Feb 15, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 537

Ep 536: A nuisance at the Tate Modern

The Supreme Court ruled that the Tate Modern’s viewing platform is a “nuisance” to residents of a nearby luxury high-rise. The case could change the way we think about our right to privacy. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 14, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 536

Ep 535: Manchester City charged

The world’s richest club has been charged with 115 alleged breaches of financial rules. How will Manchester City deal with the upcoming inquiry? Click here to listen to the News Meeting. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 13, 20236 minSeason 1Ep. 535

Ep 534: Andrea Riseborough’s Oscars drama

A grassroots Oscars campaign has led to a shock nomination for the star of a small, independent film. What does it tell us about the problems facing the Academy Awards? Click here to listen to the News Meeting. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

Feb 10, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 534

Ep 533: What killed the Teesside crabs?

Since 2021 dead crabs and lobsters have been washing up along England’s north east coastline. It has left the fishing industry demanding answers about what caused the die-off. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 09, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 533

Ep 532: The accusations against Dominic Raab

The deputy Prime Minister, Dominic Raab is accused of bullying civil servants. Could this be Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s next headache? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 08, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 532

Ep 531: Earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria

Deadly earthquakes have struck war torn areas of Syria and parts of neighbouring Turkey that are home to refugees fleeing the conflict. In some places whole neighbourhoods have been destroyed. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 07, 20235 minSeason 1Ep. 531

Ep 530: The hundred billion dollar drop

How a small investment firm is taking on one of the world’s richest men. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 06, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 530

Ep 529: The death of Tyre Nichols

A Black man has become yet another victim of police violence in the US. Why does this keep happening? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 03, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 529

Ep 528: OpenAI takes on Google

The company that created an AI-powered chatbot called ChatGPT poses a threat to Google’s dominance as the market-leading search engine. Is it a sign of things to come? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Listen to Hoaxed: https://podfollow.com/hoaxed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

Feb 02, 20238 minSeason 1Ep. 528

Ep 527: Striking pay gap

Public sector workers want pay rises to counter the rising cost of living. The government is offering less than they want but it faces a dilemma, because wages are rising in the private sector. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...

Feb 01, 20235 minSeason 1Ep. 527

Ep 526: Probation service failings

Jordan McSweeney should have been assessed as a high-risk offender, but he wasn’t. Days after being released from prison he murdered Zara Aleena. What does his case tell us about failings in the probation service? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...

Jan 31, 20236 minSeason 1Ep. 526

Ep 525: Germany’s difficult tank decision

After much agonising Germany has agreed to give battle tanks to Ukraine. Why was it so reluctant and what difference will they make? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 30, 20236 minSeason 1Ep. 525

Ep 524: Nadhim Zahawi’s taxes

The Conservative Party chairman’s tax affairs have been under scrutiny after it was revealed he settled a multimillion-pound tax dispute with HMRC while he was chancellor. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 27, 20236 minSeason 1Ep. 524

Ep 523: The Afghan evacuees challenging the government

A group of families evacuated from Afghanistan have taken the Home Office to court for mismanaging the scheme set up to support them. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 26, 20238 minSeason 1Ep. 523

Ep 522: The fight against AI art

Artificial intelligence is being used to create works of art in seconds. What can human artists do to protect their livelihoods against the machines? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 25, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 522

Ep 521: Joe Biden’s classified documents

US president Joe Biden is in hot water over his handling of classified government documents. But is it as bad as Donald Trump storing secret papers at his resort in Florida? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 24, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 521

Ep 520: Flat battery: the collapse of BritishVolt

The demise of the electric car battery firm is a blow for the UK government’s attempt to phase out petrol and diesel engines by 2030. Can it still realise its electric dreams? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 23, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 520

Ep 519: A British citizen executed by Iran

Iran has killed a British-Iranian national accused of spying for the UK. What does it tell us about the relationship between the two countries? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Tomini50 to get...

Jan 20, 20236 minSeason 1Ep. 519

Ep 518: David Carrick: a rapist in the ranks

On Monday, Metropolitan police officer David Carrick pleaded guilty to 49 offences including rape and sexual assault. Over 20 years, the Met had nine opportunities to stop him. Why didn't they? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortois...

Jan 19, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 518

Ep 517: Russian splits

Differing claims about the Russian capture of an eastern Ukrainian town tell us something about the power struggles in the Kremlin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 18, 20236 minSeason 1Ep. 517

Ep 516: Healing the Ozone layer

The hole in the Earth’s Ozone layer is shrinking thanks to a landmark international agreement. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Tomini50 to get a year's digital membership for £50. Hosted on A...

Jan 17, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 516

Ep 515: On the frontline of the NHS crisis

The NHS is facing significant winter pressures. One nurse explains what it's like working in an Accident & Emergency department. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Tomini50 to get a year's d...

Jan 16, 20238 minSeason 1Ep. 515

Ep 514: Sport's reckoning with risk

24-year-old quarterback Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during a game of Monday night football. Could his injury be a turning point for the NFL? Concussions in women are poorly understood – and the consequences are deadly. To learn more, you can listen to an episode of Visible Women with Caroline Criado Perez called The concussed female brain : https://pod.fo/e/142d97 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 13, 20236 minSeason 1Ep. 514
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